Overview
Gaultheria cordifolia is a suckering shrubs in the genus Gaultheria, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Gaultheria cordifolia grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes.
About
Pseudoracemes leafy apically, sometimes solitary axillary flowers. It is native to Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Argentina Northeast and other regions. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
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Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaultheria
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaultheria cordifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaultheria cordifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gaultheria cordifolia?
Gaultheria cordifolia prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaultheria cordifolia need?
Gaultheria cordifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gaultheria cordifolia hardy in the UK?
Gaultheria cordifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gaultheria cordifolia?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Gaultheria genus
- Gaultheria adenothrix
- Gaultheria crassa

- Gaultheria depressa
- Gaultheria erecta

- Gaultheria hispidulacreeping snowberry
- Gaultheria humifusaalpine wintergreen

- Gaultheria ovatifolia

- Gaultheria parvula 'Ohau'
